DOST, UPLB-BIOTECH Boost Corn, Rice Straw Silage Fermentation

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The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) partnered with the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB-BIOTECH) to improve silage production.

The joint initiative seeks to reduce the fermentation time of corn stover and rice straw silage while enhancing their nutritional content.

Led by UPLB-BIOTECH Director Fides Marciana Tambalo, the project titled “Rapid Enzymatic Fermentation and Nutrition Enhancement of Corn Stover and Rice Straw Silage” applies enzymes and a specially formulated microbial starter culture to improve silage processing.

The project supports DOST-PCAARRD’s priority on enhancing the country’s animal feed resources.

Corn stover and rice straw, byproducts of corn and rice farming, are abundant yet underused as animal feed.

The project uses cellulase and xylanase enzymes to improve digestibility and develops microbial starter cultures to enhance silage quality.

Funded by DOST-PCAARRD, the project is monitored by the Council’s Livestock Research Division (LRD).

On Feb. 7, 2025, the LRD conducted a field monitoring and evaluation activity to assess project progress.

DOST-PCAARRD Industry Strategic S&T Program Manager for Dairy Rundolfo P. Llamas and researcher Stephen A. Mendoza led the laboratory visit and project review at UPLB-BIOTECH.

In its first year, the project has reached key milestones.

Optimization studies on enzymatic hydrolysis using cellulase and xylanase have been completed.

Researchers also evaluated the impact of enzyme additives on silage’s nutritional, chemical, and microbial properties.

Lactic acid bacteria were isolated to create a microbial starter culture specific to silage production.

The project is expected to benefit livestock farmers by improving feed quality and increasing the value of agricultural byproducts.

Efficient silage production can help raise farmer income and improve livestock productivity.

It also offers environmental advantages by converting agricultural waste into sustainable, high-quality animal feed. (Rundolfo P. Llamas and Mr. Stephen A. Mendoza, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services)